An defence official has confirmed that the MoD is actively investigating the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about secret matters in any vehicles.
Security Guidance for Defence Personnel
During a recently aired interview on LBC, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been instructed not to discuss secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
The minister stated that the MoD is “looking into” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, but stressed that safety is a issue in every modern vehicles.
We have a fleet of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug MoD devices into their car, to avoid having conversations at a classified level in any kind of car, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that are present in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential conversations in protected areas. This is a wise and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we’re investigating at the moment.”
Wider Defence Background
This revelation comes as claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the presence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow the Chinese government to disable buses and cause chaos to public transit.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel was reportedly directing laser beams at RAF pilots, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by defence officials.
The wider defence environment highlights the significance of robust protocols and vigilance in all areas of government activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
